The little-known Greek island that's just as beautiful as Santorini - but much more peaceful over the summer

A hotspot for tourists, Santorini has long been regarded as the perfect destination to soak up the sun and Greek culture.

But there's a little-known island that's just as peaceful, located in the southern Aegean Sea.

Hydra, which is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, is just as beautiful as Santorini - and is less crowded.

The secret idyllic island is just 75-minutes from Athens, with donkeys on hand to transport the luggage of visitors.

This is due to the breathtaking location being protected by a preservation order, which bans the use of vehicles and motorbikes, with the exception of ambulances and fire brigades.

It means traffic noise is unheard, allowing your ears to tune into the sound of the tranquil waves as they crash against the shore and the unbeatable ambience of nature.

With neoclassical mansions standing as a backdrop to the island, it's filled with alleyways that lead into gorgeous courtyards.

The island has a healthy and diverse range of animals and is even home to the largest herd of working equines in the world.

Near Hydra's port, you'll find the Historical Archives Museum, showcasing the island's proud naval history.

From attention-grabbing naval paintings, to handwritten notes dating back to Hydra's participation in the Greek War of Independence, the museum is a step back in time.

Aside from history and Hydra's stunning port, there's also the chance to explore its olive groves on horseback, visiting ancient chapels on route.

As many as 300 chapels are dotted across the charming island, which is a stone's throw away from Dokos Island, should you wish to set sail and explore.

Underwater, the island is home to fascinating ancient sea wrecks and underwater cliffs.

Meanwhile, while some residents of Santorini have warned the picture-perfect island is being swamped, other locals have claimed that the Greek holiday hotspot is struggling to bring in enough tourists.

Last year a tourist operator branded the season their 'worst ever' in the 18 years that they had lived on the island.

'The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it's the worst season ever,' said Gianluca Chimenti.

Put off by videos of queues of cruise ship passengers and visitors shuffling through the streets in the hot sun, would-be tourists were opting to avoid staying on the island for long periods, he claimed.

He told CNN travel: 'The problem is that the social media is showing something completely different from what is the reality.'

Many of those flocking to the island's main attractions were cruise ship passengers, with Santorini a key stop on Greek cruises' itineraries.

But, when the crowds were gone, Chimenti said, 'the hotels right now are more or less under 30 per cent of a normal season.'